Sharks' fan totals dip again in 2013

Published: Wednesday, September 4, 2013 at 12:20 p.m.

Last Modified: Wednesday, September 4, 2013 at 12:20 p.m.

Despite having their highest win total in 11 years, the Wilmington Sharks had their lowest attendance this season since 2006.

Facts

A little lessYearly attendance figures for the Wilmington Sharks summer college baseball team, as released yearly by Ballpark Digest. The team ranked No. 9 in the country in average attendance in 2009 and was No. 25 in 2013.Year Total Average2013 37,696 1,4502012 45,702 1,6932011 46,153 1,7752010 46,820 1,7342009 50,081 1,8552008 41,253 1,650Team still claims success with $1 beer, lots of wins

The Sharks' attendance was 37,696 for 26 home games, an average of 1,450 per game. That was seventh among the 14 teams in the Coastal Plains League and 25th of all summer collegiate baseball teams, according to annual rankings by Ballpark Digest. The Sharks drew 45,702 fans in 2012 for an average of 1,693.

First-year general manager Pat Hutchins said weather likely played a role in attendance, but he thought every night seemed "pretty solid."

In 2009, the Sharks had an average attendance of 1,855 and drew more than 50,000 fans, which ranked No. 9 nationally in summer collegiate baseball that season. The past four years have seen a 25 percent decrease from that figure, and 2013 was the first time since 2007 the Sharks' attendance did not reach 40,000.

Coastal Plains League teams had an average attendance of 1,421 in 2013, a slight drop from 1,487 in 2012. The CPL had an attendance of 518,488 for 365 games, which was the second most of any summer collegiate league. The Northwoods League, with teams playing in Wisconsin and Minnesota, had an attendance of 903,676 for 544 games (1,661 average).

The Sharks were fifth in the CPL in attendance in 2012 and still remained above the league average this year even with the dip..

During the season, the Sharks sold beer for $1 for every game. That promotion was previously reserved for Thursday games, aptly called "Thirsty Thursday."

The Sharks were 31-23 and the No. 3 seed in the East Division of the CPL playoffs. The win total was the most since the Sharks went 31-17 in 2002.

"If you like minor league baseball, that kind of baseball, this is a good product," Hutchins said. "Maybe (The CPL) is just there to cater to 1,600 people a night."

Hutchins said the team will continue to sell beer for $1 at every home game next season. The Sharks will also attempt to add players to next year's roster who have local high school ties.

"I want to put a more local flair on the team without jeopardizing talent," Hutchins said. "I think people want to follow the careers of the local talent, and I think they would generate some more interest."

<p>Despite having their highest win total in 11 years, the <a href="http://www.starnewsonline.com/section/topic9945"><b>Wilmington Sharks</b></a> had their lowest attendance this season since 2006.</p><p>The Sharks' attendance was 37,696 for 26 home games, an average of 1,450 per game. That was seventh among the 14 teams in the Coastal Plains League and 25th of all summer collegiate baseball teams, according to annual rankings by Ballpark Digest. The Sharks drew 45,702 fans in 2012 for an average of 1,693.</p><p>First-year general manager Pat Hutchins said weather likely played a role in attendance, but he thought every night seemed "pretty solid."</p><p>In 2009, the Sharks had an average attendance of 1,855 and drew more than 50,000 fans, which ranked No. 9 nationally in summer collegiate baseball that season. The past four years have seen a 25 percent decrease from that figure, and 2013 was the first time since 2007 the Sharks' attendance did not reach 40,000.</p><p>Coastal Plains League teams had an average attendance of 1,421 in 2013, a slight drop from 1,487 in 2012. The CPL had an attendance of 518,488 for 365 games, which was the second most of any summer collegiate league. The Northwoods League, with teams playing in Wisconsin and Minnesota, had an attendance of 903,676 for 544 games (1,661 average).</p><p>The Sharks were fifth in the CPL in attendance in 2012 and still remained above the league average this year even with the dip..</p><p>During the season, the Sharks sold beer for $1 for every game. That promotion was previously reserved for Thursday games, aptly called "Thirsty Thursday."</p><p>The Sharks were 31-23 and the No. 3 seed in the East Division of the CPL playoffs. The win total was the most since the Sharks went 31-17 in 2002.</p><p>"If you like minor league baseball, that kind of baseball, this is a good product," Hutchins said. "Maybe (The CPL) is just there to cater to 1,600 people a night."</p><p>Hutchins said the team will continue to sell beer for $1 at every home game next season. The Sharks will also attempt to add players to next year's roster who have local high school ties.</p><p>"I want to put a more local flair on the team without jeopardizing talent," Hutchins said. "I think people want to follow the careers of the local talent, and I think they would generate some more interest."</p><p>Vince Nairn: 343-2262</p><p>On <a href="http://www.starnewsonline.com/section/news41"><b>Twitter</b></a>: @starnewssports</p>